Convertible garment systems, and related devices and methods

ABSTRACT

Convertible garment systems and related devices and methods are shown and described. In one example, a convertible garment system includes a bathing suit and a pair of detachable-strap-interfaces, each configured to removably connect to the bathing suit&#39;s lower straps, and removably connect to the bathing suit&#39;s upper straps, thereby creating a second configuration for the pair of upper straps. In another example, a device includes at least one detachable-strap-interface for converting a bathing suit.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No.61/388,198 filed on Sep. 30, 2010.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The current disclosure relates generally to convertible garment systemsand, more particularly, to convertible systems designed, for example, toimprove the fit or style of a garment, e.g., a bathing suit.

BACKGROUND

FIG. 1 illustrates a known example of a bathing suit 2. Suit 2 includesa pair of breast cups. Breast cups 4 may be connected on their front bya strap, e.g., strap 6, or by an integral construction or some otherpiece of fabric.

A pair of upper straps 10 a and 10 b are connected to the breast cupsand extend upwardly for connecting behind the neck of a user. Breastcups are considered to be inclusive of any material for covering thebreasts, e.g., single layer fabric cut to cover the breast may beconsidered a breast cup. Connection may be achieved in a variety ofways, e.g., clip, bow or knot 10 c.

A pair of lower straps 12 a and 12 b are connected to the pair of breastcups and extendable laterally for connecting behind the back of theuser. Connection may be achieved in a variety of ways, e.g., clip, bow,knot, integral, etc.

The described configuration of how the suit's breast cups are secured toa user may be considered a first configuration. In first configurations,the user's neck may be considered to support the load of the user'sbreast. Applicant believes that with some suits, for example, the firstconfiguration may create excessive load bearing or undesirable pressureon the neck, e.g., if suits or worn too long, if straps are too thin, ifthe load is too large, etc. Excessive load bearing may result in avariety of problems, including, inter alia, headaches. Further, theacute pressure created by clip or knot 10 c on the user's spine or neckmay contribute to headaches, nerve, circulation, or other problems.Further, while the suit 2 is illustrated a bikini, e.g., having aseparate bottom 14, suits of other constructions, e.g., one piece, maybe considered to have a first configuration as disclosed herein.

It is to any combination of these or additional problems that thecurrent disclosure is directed.

SUMMARY

The current disclosure is directed to a variety of systems, devices, andmethods. In one example, a convertible garment system includes a garmentand at least one detachable-strap-interfaces (DSI) configured toremovably connect to the garment's lower straps and removably connect tothe garment's upper straps, thereby creating a second configuration forthe pair of upper straps. The garment may be, for example, a bathingsuit or similar garment having a halter top.

In one example, a device includes a detachable-strap-interface (DSI).The DSI comprises a buckle-end configured to attach to at least one of agarment's upper straps and a channel-portion configured to attach to atleast one of a garment's lower straps. DSIs may also be used incombination with other garments having upper straps for connectingbehind the neck of a wearer.

In one example, a method includes a method of converting a bathing suitto a second configuration. In this example, the method comprisesobtaining a bathing suit designed to have a first configuration,attaching one of the suit's pair of upper straps to a firstdetachable-strap-interface (DSI); and attaching the first DSI to atleast one of the pair of lower straps. Methods also include performingsimilar steps with other garments.

The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Systems, devices and methods will be set forth inmore detail in the figures and detailed description below. It will beapparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended tolimit the present invention, the scope of which should be properlydetermined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a known bathing suit.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a system constructed according to oneexample of the disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a close-up view of one of the DSIs shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of another example of a DSI.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate additional system configurations.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate another example of a DSI.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate DSI channel plate examples.

FIG. 8 illustrates a manufacturing layout example.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a DSI buckle-end.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another example of a DSI.

FIG. 14 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIG. 16 illustrates another example of a DSI.

FIG. 17 illustrates another manufacturing layout example.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a DSI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

The current disclosure is directed to a variety of systems,detachable-strap-interfaces (DSI) and related methods. FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate an example of a convertible garment system 20 for a user.System 20 may include a variety of bathing suits or other garments thatare known in the art, e.g., any variety of halter tops that connectbehind the neck of the user. For purposes of illustration andunderstanding, system 20 will share some of the call-out numbers used todescribe the suit in FIG. 1. System 20 includes a pair of breast cups 4connected on their front by strap 6. A pair of lower straps 12 a and 12b are connected to the pair of breast cups and extendable laterally forconnecting behind the back of the user in area 12 c, using a bow, knot,clip, etc.

Pair of upper straps 10 a and 10 b are connected to the breast cups andextend upwardly. In contrast to FIG. 1, however, where straps 10 a and10 b connect in a knot or bow around the neck of the user, straps 10 aand 10 b do not connect behind the neck of a user, but extend over auser's shoulders to connect to detachable-strap-interfaces (DSI) 22 aand 22 b. DSIs are configured to removably connect to the lower straps12 a and 12 b and removably connect to the upper straps 10 a and 10 b.The result is a second configuration for the pair of upper straps, whichreduces load bearing on the neck and acute pressure created by knot 10 cbehind the user's neck (not present in the second configuration).

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of one embodiment example of a DSI,which may be considered DSI 22 c. DSI 22 c includes a buckle-end 24 aand channel-portion 24 b. DSI may also be considered to have a body side(BS) and an away side (AS). In FIG. 3, side 26 a is the BS and theopposite side, 26 b, is the AS, however, relative positioning may vary.Upper strap 10 a is removably connected at the buckle-end 24 a of theDSI and the lower strap 12 a is removably connected at thechannel-portion 24 b of the DSI.

Connection at the buckle-end may be achieved in a variety of ways, forexample, using at least one aperture 30 configured to attach to at leastone of the pair of upper straps by threading the straps through at leastone aperture. In this example, apertures 30 include an upper aperture 30a and lower aperture 30 b to facilitate securing straps. Additionalapertures may be used to provide various levels of adjustment or mendingof the tag end of the strap. It should be clear, that aperture shape mayvary from example to example. Additionally, some buckle-ends areconsidered to include other configurations for attachment, e.g. clamps,clips, etc. for connecting to at least one upper strap.

Connection at the channel-portion may similarly be achieved in a varietyof ways, for example, using a channel, e.g., channel 32. Channel 32includes a top end 32 a and a lower end 32 b, and is openable at its topend, thereby allowing at least one of the lower straps to be received bythe channel. Channel 32 is closed at its lower end 32 b, therebycreating shelf 32 c. Shelf 32 c transfers the downward pressure of theuser's breast from the user's neck to the lateral straps, therebyallowing the user to optionally employ a second configuration as needed.Channels may additionally be biased to provide a clamping force, forexample, as illustrated.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of another DSI embodiment example,which may be considered similar to the DSI shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. DSI40 includes a buckle-end 42 a and a channel-portion 42 b. DSI 40 isconfigured such than an upper strap can removably connect at thebuckle-end, and such that a lower strap can removably connected at thechannel-portion. In this example, DSI 40 includes a base plate 40 adefining a finger 40 b, a channel arm 40 c, and an optional plate 40 d.Pieces 40 a, 40 c and 40 d may be readily manufactured and assembled tocreate the functional DSI.

Base plate 40 a defines at least one aperture configured to attach to atleast one of the pair of upper straps. For example, attachment may beachieved by threading the straps through upper aperture 44 a and loweraperture 44 b. Connection at the lower end may be achieved using channel46. Channel 46 is formed by channel arm 40 c and base plate 40 a. Asseen, channel arm 40 c defines an aperture 50 for receiving finger 40 b.Channel arms may lock in place using a variety of techniques, e.g.adhesive, sonic welding, etc. In the example depicted, the channel armsnaps into place using friction created by an internal projection (notshown) shaped to be received by recess 52. The upper end of theresultant channel is open for receiving at least one lower strap.Channel shelf 54, for applying upward pressure to the lower straps, isalso visible in this figure.

Face 40 d may optionally attach to the base plate. Face 40 d may serve avariety of functions, e.g., concealing the threaded or channeled straps,distributing pressure over a wider surface of the back, providingadvertising indicia, providing a variety of colors or shapes to bettercoordinate with existing suits, etc. Somewhat similarly, base plateshapes may be a variety of ornamental shapes as well. In the exampleshown, face 40 b includes projections 56 configured to interface withside arms 44 c of lower aperture 44 b. Accordingly, side arms 44 c areshaped to interface with projections 56. In other examples, faces mayinterface in other ways, e.g., using projections at various positions tointerface with other parts of the base plate.

Using any of the DSIs disclosed herein, a variety of secondconfigurations may be achieved. FIG. 5 a, for example, illustratesanother system 100 in a second configuration where a single DSI 102 isremovably connected to both upper straps 104 a and 104 b. DSI 102 isalso removably connected to lower strap 106 a and could alternatively beconnected to strap 106 b, or to both straps 106 a and 106 b. FIG. 5 billustrates another system 200 in a second configuration where a pair ofDSI 202 a and 202 b are removably connected to upper straps 204 a and204 b. In this example, however, strap 204 a and 204 b are crossed suchthat strap 204 a is connected to DSI 202 b, and strap 204 b is connectedto DSI 202 a. DSIs are removably connected to lower straps 206 a and 206b. Clasp 208 is also illustrated, but lower straps may be connected inother ways as noted previously.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate various views of DSI 300, another DSIembodiment example. DSI 300 includes a buckle-end 302 configured toattach to at least one of the upper straps. DSI 300 also includes achannel-portion 304 having a lower end 304 a and a top end 304 bpositioned above the lower end. Channel 304 also includes shelf 304 cfor applying upward pressure to at least one of the lower straps. Thisexample differs somewhat from previous examples for at least the reasonthat the channel-portion is pivotally attached to the buckle-end. Insuch examples, the buckle-end can readily be attached to an upper strapof a suit or garment, and the channel-portion can be pivoted open,similar to the view seen in FIG. 6A, thereby creating a self guidingstructure that guides the lower strap of the suit or garment into thechannel. Once the lower strap has been received by the channel, the DSImay be closed similar to the illustration in FIG. 6B. The upward forcecreated by the upper strap attached to the buckle, and the downwardforce created by the lower strap received by the channel also facilitatethe closed position of the DSI when in use.

Pivotal attachment may be achieved in a variety of ways. In thisexample, base plate 302 includes a pivot bar 306, which is received by apivot recess 310 of channel plate 302. Pivotal attachment may bereceived by a variety of different hinge-type structures or may beachieved by the use of resilient material.

Channel plates may also include a cover, e.g., cover 312 extendingupwardly from channel 304. Covers will typically be distally positionedrelative to the user, e.g., to cover the strap, buckle, etc. Covers mayalso provide some self-guiding function as their back side 312 bprovides a surface over which lower straps may travel in route tochannels. In many examples, covers will have a height that is sufficientto cover the base plate or buckle, but in other examples, covers mayhave lesser heights.

Covers may also include any combination of ornamentation or advertisingindicia. FIGS. 7A and 7B for example, illustrate channel plates 404 and504, which may be pivotally attached to base plate 302 by interfacingpivot bar 306 with pivot recesses 310. As seen, covers 406 and 506 haveornamentation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of various parts of DSI described above ina manufacturing layout.

FIG. 9 illustrates another buckle-end example, referred to as 350,including resilient arm 352, which may further define an aperture.Resilient arms may further secure straps attached to the buckle-end.

FIG. 10 illustrates another DSI embodiment example 600. DSI 600 includesbuckle-end 642 a and channel-portion 642 b. An upper strap 610 is seeninterfaced with buckle-end 642 a. In this example, buckle-end 642 a alsoincludes a resilient arm 650 to further secure strap 610. DSI 600 alsoincludes a cover interface 652 for interfacing with cover 654. Coversmay vary from example to example, e.g. they may be ornamental asdescribed previously. Covers may also provide an additional clampingforce in some examples.

FIG. 11 illustrates another DSI example 700, interfaced at buckle-end742 a with an upper strap 710, and interfaced at channel-portion 742 bwith a lower strap 712. In this example, buckle-end 742 a includes asingle aperture configured to secure the upper strap. DSI 700 alsoincludes a flat surface 755 for positioning against the user's body.Surface 755 may be cushioned in some examples.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate another DSI embodiment example 800. DSI 800includes buckle-end 842 a for interfacing with at least one upper strap,and a channel-portion 842 b for interfacing with at least one lowerstrap. DSI 800 further includes a secondary aperture 850. In thisexample, the secondary aperture is positioned below the channel shelf,but other examples, it may be positioned in other ways. Secondaryapertures are useful for, inter alia, securing the tag end of an upperor lower strap.

FIG. 14 illustrates another DSI embodiment example 900. DSI 900 includesbuckle-end 942 a for interfacing with at least one upper strap, and achannel-portion 942 b for interfacing with at least one lower strap. DSI900 is somewhat similar to DSI 300 previously described.

FIG. 15 illustrates another DSI embodiment example 1000. DSI 1000includes buckle-end 1042 a for interfacing with at least one upper strap(not shown), and a channel-portion 1042 b for interfacing with at leastone lower strap (1012). Channel-portion 1042 b is defined, in part, byplate 1052 which clipably interfaces at portion 1050.

FIG. 16 illustrates another DSI embodiment example 1100. DSI 1100includes buckle-end 1142 a for interfacing with at least one upper strap(not shown), and a channel-portion 1142 b for interfacing with at leastone lower strap (not shown). Channel-portion 1142 b is defined, in part,by plate 1152 which clipably interfaces at portion 1150, similarly toDSI 1000.

FIG. 17 illustrates another example of various DSI parts asmanufactured.

FIG. 18 illustrates another DSI embodiment example 1200. DSI 1200includes buckle-end 1242 a for interfacing with at least one upper strap(not shown), and a channel-portion 1242 b for interfacing with at leastone lower strap. In this example, the channel-portion is open at itsbottom end, as seen, and lower strap 1212 includes the selvedge or edgeof a garment 1214, e.g. a halter-top or tube-top style garment. In thistype of example, the DSI uses a clamping force to secure the lowerstrap. The DSI may similarly include a shelf 1216 to increase purchaseon the lower strap. Clamping force may be facilitated, at least in part,by plate 1252, which clipably interfaces at portion 1250. In thisexample, the clipable interface at portion 1250 acts as a biasing hingeto provide clamping force, but other examples, may include springs, orother structures to provide and inward clamping force.

It should be clear from the above disclosure that systems and DSIdisclosed herein encompass a variety of embodiments, the parts of whichare not considered to mutually exclusive, e.g. DSI structure may beexchanged amongst the various embodiments, any of the DSI examples maybe used with various systems, etc.

The current disclosure is also directed to methods of convertinggarments to a second configuration. In one example, a method includesobtaining any of the garments mentioned above, attaching one of the pairof upper straps to any of the DSIs mentioned above, and attaching theDSI to at least one of said pair of lower straps. Methods may alsoinclude attaching additional DSI.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in theforegoing description, together with details of structure and function.The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be madein detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement ofparts, within the principle of the invention, to the full extentindicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the generalclaims are expressed.

1. A convertible garment system for a user, the system comprising: agarment having a pair of breast cups, a pair of upper straps connectedto the pair of breast cups and extendable upwardly for connecting behindthe neck of the user in a first configuration, whereby the user's neck,at least in part, supports the load of the breast cups, a pair of lowerstraps connected to the pair of breast cups and extendable laterally forconnecting behind the back of the user; and at least onedetachable-strap-interface (DSI), said DSI including a channel-portionconfigured to removably connect to at least one of the lower straps, anda buckle-end configured to removably connect to the pair of upperstraps, whereby channel-portion connection and buckle-end connectioncreates a second configuration for the pair of upper straps.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein each buckle-end defines an upper aperture anda lower aperture, wherein said upper and lower apertures are sized to bethreaded by at least one of said pair of upper straps, thereby bindingsaid at least one of said pair of upper straps.
 3. The system of claim2, wherein said DSI further includes a detachable face configured tointerface with said buckle-end.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein saidinterface of said detachable face provides an additional clamping forcefor securing at least one of said upper straps.
 5. The system of claim3, wherein said buckle-end includes a pair of side arms shaped tointerface with said detachable face.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid channel-portion includes a lower end and a top end, said lower endincluding a shelf for applying upward pressure to at least one of saidlower straps.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein said top end of saidchannel-portion defines an opening for receiving at least one of saidlower straps.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said buckle-end includesa base plate defining an upper aperture and a lower aperture, whereinsaid upper and lower apertures are sized to be threaded by at least oneof said pair of upper straps, thereby binding said at least one of saidpair of upper straps, and wherein said channel-portion includes achannel plate pivotally attached to said base plate, said channel platehaving a channel including a shelf at its bottom end, said channel beingconfigured to receive at least one of said pair of lower straps.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein said channel plate is configured to pivotopen to allow said user to engage at least one of said lower straps, andis configured to pivot closed for use.
 10. The system of claim 9,wherein base plate includes a pivot bar and said channel plate includesa pivot recess for receiving said pivot bar in a manner that allows saidchannel plate to pivot relative to said base plate.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein said channel plate includes a cover extending upwardlyfrom said channel and distally from said user.
 12. The system of claim8, wherein at least one of said upper aperture and said lower aperturedefine an opening axis that is non-parallel with an opening axis definedby the channel portion.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein saidchannel-portion further defines a secondary aperture positioned belowthe channel.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the secondary aperturedefines an opening axis that is substantially parallel with an openingaxis defined by at least one of the buckle-end's upper aperture and thebuckle's lower aperture.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein saidbuckle-end includes a base plate defining an upper aperture and a loweraperture, wherein said upper and lower apertures are sized to bethreaded by at least one of said pair of upper straps, thereby bindingsaid at least one of said pair of upper straps, and wherein saidchannel-portion includes a finger projecting horizontally, and a channelarm having an upper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end definesan aperture for receiving said finger and engaging said base plate withsaid finger and a shelf for applying upward pressure to at least one ofsaid lower straps.
 16. The system of claim 1 further including a cushionsurface positioned on at least one of said channel-portion and saidbuckle-end.
 17. The system of claim 1, further including a second DSIattached to at least one of the lower straps and at least one of theupper straps.
 18. A detachable-strap-interface (DSI) for converting agarment to a second configuration, said garment having a pair of breastcups, a pair of upper straps connected to the pair of breast cups andextendable upwardly for connecting behind the neck of the user in afirst configuration, and a pair of lower straps connected to the pair ofbreast cups and extendable laterally for connecting behind the back ofthe user, said DSI comprising: a channel-portion configured to removablyconnect to at least one of the lower straps; and a buckle-end configuredto removably connect to the pair of upper straps, wherebychannel-portion connection and buckle-end connection creates a secondconfiguration for the pair of upper straps.
 19. The DSI of claim 18,wherein said buckle-end includes a base plate defining an upper apertureand a lower aperture, wherein said upper and lower apertures are sizedto be threaded by at least one of said pair of upper straps, therebybinding said at least one of said pair of upper straps, and wherein saidchannel-portion includes a channel plate pivotally attached to said baseplate, said channel plate having a channel including a shelf at itsbottom end, said channel being configured to receive at least one ofsaid pair of lower straps.
 20. The DSI of claim 19, wherein base plateincludes a pivot bar and said channel plate includes a pivot recess forreceiving said pivot bar in a manner that allows said channel plate topivot relative to said base plate, wherein said channel plate isconfigured to pivot open to allow said user to engage at least one ofsaid lower straps, and is configured to pivot closed for use.
 21. TheDSI of claim 19, wherein said channel plate includes a cover extendingupwardly from said channel and distally from said user.
 22. The DSI ofclaim 19, wherein at least one of said upper aperture and said loweraperture define an opening axis that is non-parallel with an openingaxis defined by the channel portion.
 23. The DSI of claim 19, whereinsaid channel-portion further defines a secondary aperture positionedbelow the channel.
 24. The DSI of claim 18, wherein said buckle-endincludes a base plate defining an upper aperture and a lower aperture,wherein said upper and lower apertures are sized to be threaded by atleast one of said pair of upper straps, thereby binding said at leastone of said pair of upper straps, and wherein said channel-portionincludes a finger projecting horizontally, and a channel arm having anupper end and a lower end, wherein said lower end defines an aperturefor receiving said finger and engaging said base plate with said fingerand a shelf for applying upward pressure to at least one of said lowerstraps.
 25. The DSI of claim 18 further including a cushion surfacepositioned on at least one of said channel-portion and said buckle-end.26. A method of converting a bathing suit to a second configuration,said method comprising: obtaining a bathing suit having a pair of breastcups, a pair of upper straps connected to the pair of breast cups andextendable upwardly for connecting behind the neck of the user in afirst configuration, and a pair of lower straps connected to the pair ofbreast cups and extendable laterally for connecting behind the back ofthe user, obtaining a first detachable-strap-interface (DSI), said DSIincluding a channel-portion configured to removably connect to at leastone of the lower straps, and a buckle-end configured to removablyconnect to the pair of upper straps; attaching one of said pair of upperstraps to said buckle-end of said first DSI; and attaching one of saidpair of lower straps to said channel-portion of said first DSI.
 27. Themethod of claim 26, further including attaching the other of said upperstraps to a second DSI, and attaching said second DSI to at least one ofsaid pair of lower straps.